PROPOSAL FOR THE INITIATION OF A NEW INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM LEADING TO THE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION LEADERSHIP

AND TOURISM

 

Oregon State University – Cascades Campus

Colleges of Forestry and Health and Human Sciences

 

Description of Proposed Program

 

1.  Program Overview

 

  1. Proposed CIP number:  310101

 

b.  Provide a brief overview (approximately 1-2 paragraphs) of the proposed program, including a description of the academic area and a rationale for offering this program at the present time. Please include a description of any related degrees, certificates, or subspecialties (concentrations, areas of special emphasis, etc.) that may be offered now or in the foreseeable future.

The B.S. in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Tourism (ORLT) is an interdisciplinary degree program offered by the College of Forestry and the College of Health and Human Sciences, to be delivered at the OSU-Cascades Campus.  The degree program will be similar to the current Natural Resources major, where students can choose their “home” college and will receive their degree from that college.  This new degree program will prepare students for careers in the growing fields of outdoor adventure programming, outdoor and experiential education, applications of outdoor recreation to special populations, international ecotourism, and commercial recreation enterprises.  Specific applications include:

 

-        at-risk youth in outdoor settings;

-        elder hostels;

-        disabled populations in outdoor settings;

-        outdoor/experiential education;

-        challenge courses;

-        outdoor school programs;

-        wilderness orientations;

-        physical activity and health;

-        National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound, etc.;

-        wilderness guides or expedition leaders;

-        outdoor recreation businesses;

-        hotels, restaurants, resorts;

-        international ecotourism enterprises;

-        international ecotourism planning and policy;

-        University or community outdoor recreation programs.

     Combining the broad educational background provided by OSU’s Baccalaureate Core with professional courses covering topics in recreation program development and evaluation, education, business, international studies, and recreation management, this degree program will give students a wide range of opportunities upon graduation.  Students will also be well prepared for graduate studies in related fields.  A key component of the degree program is an 8-credit internship with a company or agency in this field.  The recreation and tourism economy of Central Oregon is ideally suited to providing these internship opportunities.

 

Students in this degree program will choose from one of the following options:

 

-        Outdoor and Experiential Education

-        Tourism and Commercial Recreation Management

-        Applications of Outdoor Recreation to Special Populations

-        International Ecotourism

 

Four options are being offered to allow students to specialize in a particular area related to outdoor recreation leadership and tourism, while maintaining the economy of a common core for all students.  Each of these four areas of concentration could be offered as a separate major (and are at other institutions), but that would require substantial additional resources and reduce the flexibility of graduates.  The four areas are described briefly below.

 

The Outdoor and Experiential Education option will focus on educational theory, techniques, and practice.  These topics will be specifically applied to education about the outdoors or the environment.  There will also be an emphasis on experiential education, as both a teaching and learning technique.  Students who choose this option will be well-suited for jobs in environmental interpretation, elder hostels, youth environmental education programs, outdoor schools, University or community outdoor recreation programs, and nature study leadership.  Students will be able to define learning objectives, design curriculum, develop teaching materials, and effectively communicate and teach to a wide variety of audiences.

 

The Tourism and Commercial Recreation Management option will focus on the business aspects of developing and managing a business related to outdoor recreation or tourism.  Examples of those types of businesses include resorts, restaurants, hotels, guiding/outfitting, tours, and attractions.  Students will learn the basics of accounting, finance, human resource management, and marketing, as well as the specific applications to recreation and tourism enterprises.  Students who choose this option will get hands-on experience in local businesses through the internship and practicum embedded in the curriculum.  Graduates of this option will be positioned for entry-level management positions in existing companies, as well as having the skills to start their own small business.

 

The Applications of Outdoor Recreation to Special Populations option is designed for students who want to use the outdoors for therapeutic activities targeted for special populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, or at-risk youth.  Students will learn how to evaluate needs, and design and deliver therapeutic programs.  Employment opportunities would include elder hostels and “wilderness” camps for special populations.  Following this degree program, students could enter graduate programs in therapeutic recreation and qualify for national accreditation as a certified recreation therapy specialist (CTRS). 

 

The International Ecotourism option will focus on the special aspects of nature-based tourism in foreign countries, as well as managing domestic recreation resources for international visitors.  Students who choose this option will be well-suited for careers as international tour guides, protected area tourism managers, and tourism policy analysts.  This option will give students skills in basic marketing and information technology related to tourism, as well as fundamental knowledge of protected area management.  Students will study the socioeconomic impacts of international visitors on indigenous cultures, and be able to develop policies and plans to manage those impacts.  In addition, students will develop language skills and will use their internship for an international experience.

 

The ORLT degree program is being proposed at the present time to meet demands for students in this growing field, to increase degree offerings at the OSU-Cascades Campus, to complement and extend the two-year degree in Recreation Leadership at COCC, and to fill the need for an international experience component for the OSU-Cascades Campus curricula.

 

  1.  When will the program be operational, if approved?

 

Implementation of the ORLT degree at the OSU-Cascades Campus would begin Fall term 2003.  Staffing would ramp up in each year, starting with one FTE and increasing to five FTE.  If student enrollment reaches the highest projections, all five FTE would be funded by FY 2005-06.  There are also plans underway to secure private funding for at least one endowed chair in this program, which could speed up the full implementation of the program.  If sufficient private funds are forthcoming, the ORLT degree program would be initiated in Fall 2002, or as soon as Board approval has been granted.

 

2.  Purpose and Relationship of Proposed Program to the Institution’s Mission and Strategic Plan

 

  1. What are the objectives of the program?

 

 

 

 

b. How does the proposed program support the mission and strategic plan of the institution(s)? How does the program contribute to attaining long-term goals and directions of the institution and program?

     This program directly contributes to OSU’s goal to be a “statewide campus.”  The OSU-Cascades Campus addresses a need for increased higher education opportunities in Central Oregon, and this degree program is targeted at one of the major industries in this region.  In addition to being a major industry, outdoor recreation and tourism is part of the social fabric in Central Oregon, and contributes to the quality of life for all Oregonians.  This program also contributes to the goal of providing a “compelling learning experience” that “celebrates knowledge; encourages personal growth and awareness; acknowledges the benefits of diverse experiences, world views, learning styles, and values; and engenders personal and societal values that benefit the individual and society” (from OSU Mission Statement at: http://oregonstate.edu/mission/).  The ORLT program has an emphasis on experiential education, both as subject matter and in learning style.  Students must take a number of practicum hours in areas of their choice, as well as complete an internship that allows them to apply skills and knowledge from the degree program.  The program incorporates international experiences, and introduces students to different cultures.  It explicitly introduces the needs of special populations and makes students think more broadly about meeting the needs of youth, elderly, and people with disabilities.  Finally, the nature of the subject matter itself encourages personal growth and awareness.  Students learn about how to use risk and challenge to further personal growth and interpersonal skills.

 

c.  How does the proposed program meet the needs of Oregon and enhance the state's capacity to respond effectively to social, economic, and environmental challenges and opportunities?

 

     Oregon’s economy has changed significantly over the past 25 years, including a reduction in the reliance on natural resource extraction industries.  At the same time, the service and high tech industries have grown considerably.  As a result, the state has become more urbanized, in-migration has increased substantially, and household income has grown at a fast pace over much of this period.  These changes have dramatically increased the demand for recreation and tourism resources and services within the state.  Central Oregon, in particular, has become one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and much of that is due to the abundance of recreation resources that contribute to the economic, social, and physical well-being of its residents.  Outdoor recreation resources are also being recognized for their potential to contribute to personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and therapeutic activities.  Students that graduate with the skills to develop and manage recreation and tourism programs or enterprises will fill a fast-growing niche in Oregon’s economy.  Increasing these opportunities for citizens to participate in outdoor recreation programs and experiences will increase overall environmental awareness and appreciation of Oregon’s wildlands.

 

3.  Course of Study

 

     a. Describe the proposed curriculum (this may take the form of a list of course numbers, titles, and credit hours). In addition to providing a list of current courses, indicate those courses which will be added to present institutional offerings--emphasizing them with bold-face type.

 

Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Tourism (180)

 

          Lower Division courses from the Associate of Science (AS) degree in

Recreation Leadership from Central Oregon Community College (COCC) (78 credits):

 

Bac Core and Background:                                                   

                       

                        BA 223 Marketing Principles                                                                      4

BA 226 Business Law I                                                                          3

BA 271 Information Technology in Business                                              3

                        BACC – Cultural Diversity                                                                       3

                        BACC – DPD                                                                                         3

                        BACC – Literature & Arts                                                                        3

                        BACC – Physical, Biological Science                                                           12

BACC – Western Culture                                                              3

                        CIS 120 Computer Concepts I                                                                    4

ECON 201 Introduction to Microeconomics                                                4

FOR 251 Recreation Resource Management                                         4

GEOG 209 Weather and Climate                                                 3

GEOG 212 Tourism and Recreation                                                        3

HHP 253 Wilderness Advanced First Aid                                                            3

HHP 273 Outdoor Recreation Leadership                                                3

HHP 295 Health & Fitness for Life                                                  3

MTH 243 Mathematics for Management/Life/Social Science                        4

                        SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology                                                      4

                        SP 111 Fundamentals of Public Speaking                                     3

                        WR I21 English Composition                                                                  3

WR II                                                                                                       3

TOTAL                                                                                                  78

 

 

 

 

 

                       

            Core:

 

EXSS 312 Sociocultural Dimensions of Physical Activity                                    3         

                        EXSS 370 Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (HHP 270 Sport

& Exercise Psychology)                                                                        3

EXSS XXX Applications of Outdoor Recreation to Special

Populations                                                                                    3           

                        EXSS XXX Outdoor Recreation Programming and Evaluation (WIC)   4

EXSS XXX Risk Management for Outdoor Recreation                              3

                        FOR 351 Recreation Behavior and Management                                         4

                        FOR 352 Wilderness Management                                                     3

                        FOR 365 Issues in Natural Resources Conservation (BACC)             3

                        FOR 391 Natural Resource Communications                                              3

                        FOR/EXSS 410 Internship                                                                      8         

FOR XXX Commercial Recreation Management                            3

FOR XXX Group Facilitation for Outdoor Experiences                 3

FOR XXX Introduction to International Ecotourism                             3

                        FOR XXX Principles and Methods of Experiential Education                    3         

Science, Technology, & Society (BACC)                                                 3

                        TOTAL                                                                                                52

 

Skills:

 

Choose two of the following skill areas:                                                              

 

                        Backcountry Skills

                                    HHP 255 Outdoor Living Skills                                                       3

                                    HHP/FOR 199   Practicum                                                         2

 

                        Challenge Course Skills:

                                    EXSS XXX Challenge Course Facilitation                               3         

                                    HHP/FOR 199 Practicum                                                         2

                       

                        Event Planning Skills

EXSS XXX Recreation Event Management                                    3

                                    HHP/FOR 199 Practicum                                                         2

 

Hospitality Skills

                                    FOR XXX Hospitality Guest Services                                                3

                                    HHP/FOR 199 Practicum                                                         2

 

                        Rock Climbing Skills

                                    HHP 294RC Teaching Rock Climbing                                               3

                                    HHP/FOR 199 Practicum                                                         2

 

                        Water-based Skills

                                    HHP 294WG  Whitewater Raft Guiding                                                 3

                                    HHP/FOR 199 Practicum                                                         2

                        TOTAL                                                                                                       10

 

Electives            12 or 13         

 

 

Options (27 credits):

                       

Applications of Outdoor Recreation to Special Populations

 

                        PSY 350 Human Lifespan Development                                                         3

                        EXSS 444 Adapted Physical Activity                                                                4

                        EXSS XXX Program Planning and Evaluation for Special Populations    4

                        EXSS XXX Recreation & Tourism for Seniors                                                        3

                        HDFS 432 Children with Special Needs                                                       3     

                        HDFS XXX Counseling At-Risk Youth                                                           3         

                        SOC 380 Introduction: Deviance, Control, and Crime (UO at Cascades)            4

                        One additional, approved, upper division course                                          3

                        TOTAL                                                                                                               27

 

            International Ecotourism

 

                    FOR 453 Nature Based Tourism                                                                  3

FOR XXX Protected Area Management                                            3

FOR XXX Hospitality and Tourism Marketing                                                3

                        FOR XXX Ecotourism Policy and Planning                                                  3

                        FOR XXX Tourism Information Technology                                              3

                        FOR XXX Socioeconomic Impacts of Ecotourism                                  3

                        Upper Division Language                                                                          9

(Students choosing this option must use their internship for

an international experience.)

                        TOTAL                                                                                                                27

                       

Outdoor and Experiential Education

 

                        ED 312 Intro to Curriculum and Instruction                                                 3

                        ED 411 Educational Psychology, Learning, & Development                     3

                        ED 419 Multicultural Issues in Education                                                             3

                        FOR 353 Field School                                                                              3

FOR 409 Experiential Education Practicum                                               3

                        FOR 493 Environmental Interpretation                                                         4

                        FOR 495 Interpretive Projects                                                                            2                              FOR XXX Environmental Education                                                            3

                        One additional, approved, upper division course                                          3

                        TOTAL                                                                                                               27

 

Tourism and Commercial Recreation Management

 

                        BA 215 Fundamentals of Accounting                                                            4

                        BA 340 Finance                                                                                                    3

                        BA 224 Human Resources Management                                                            3

                        FOR XXX Hospitality and Tourism Marketing                                                 3

                        FOR XXX Tourism Information Technology                                              3

                        FOR XXX Resort Management                                                                    3

                        HRTM 105 Food Services Management                                                         3

                        HRTM 106 Lodging Management                                                         3

                        One additional, approved, upper division course                                          3

                        TOTAL                                                                                                               28

           

Since faculty will be added over time to this program, the following tables show how and when students in each option can phase in their program.       

Suggested Schedule for Options in the ORLT

OPTION

Applications of Outdoor Recreation to Special Pops.

International Ecotourism

Outdoor and Experiential Education

Tourism and Commercial Recreation Management

TERM/YEAR

 

 

 

 

FALL 2002

 

HHP 270 Psy. Of Sport & Physical Activity  (3)

 

HHP 270 Psy. Of Sport & Physical Activity  (3)

 

 

Science, Technology, & Society  (3)

 

HRTM 105  Food Services Management (3)

 

 

Language (3)

 

HRTM 106  Lodging Management  (3)

 

 

Skills Elective  (3)

 

BA 215 Fundamentals of Accounting  (4)

 

 

Elective (3)

 

BA 224 Human Resources Mgt. (3)

WINTER 2003

 

Outdoor Rec. Prog. And Eval. (WIC) (4)

 

Outdoor Rec. Prog. And Eval. (WIC) (4)

 

 

Intro to International Ecotourism (3)

 

Intro to International Ecotourism (3)

 

 

Nature-Based Tourism (3)

 

Hospitality And Tourism Marketing (3)

 

 

 

Hospitality And Tourism Marketing (3)

 

 

FOR 365 Issues in Nat. Res. Cons. (DE) (3)

 

 

Language (3)

 

Skills Elective (3)

 

 

 

OPTION

Applications of Outdoor Recreation to Special Pops.

International Ecotourism

Outdoor and Experiential Education

Tourism and Commercial Recreation Management

TERM/YEAR

 

 

 

 

SPRING 2003

 

FOR 351 Rec. Behavior and Management (4)

 

FOR 351 Rec. Behavior and Management  (4)

 

 

Commercial Recreation Management (3)

 

Commercial Recreation Management (3)

 

 

Ecotourism Policy and Planning (3)

 

Tourism Information Technology (3)

 

 

Tourism Information Technology (3)

 

Skills Practicum (2)

 

 

Language (3)

 

Elective (3)